3 Great Charleston Restaurants that set the standard for quality, value and community – Kiss Cafe, Dellz and Dashi

A great restaurant is not defined solely by its commitment to quality and customer service, but its ability to create and harness a sense of community.  The true mark of success is longevity and that foundation begins with its customer base.

Three local area restaurants embody that rare combination of quality, value, customer service, and community and for that we thank them.

As we thought about these three community-driven restaurants we found some common themes:

1. Family owned with an extension of that family feel to all their employees
2. Community spirit and pride
3. Quality and freshness of food with strong local partnerships
4. Value in cost
5. A unique style and culture
6. A deep focus on the most important element of success, the customer

The three restaurants that truly have created a remarkable dining experience and culture are Kiss Café on Johns Island, Dellz in downtown Charleston (Crosstown) and Dashi in North Charleston.

Kiss Café

Kiss Café was born from the imagination of a husband and wife team who, in less than 3 months have solidified themselves as one of the top breakfast and lunch destinations in the Lowcountry. With a focus on freshness and imagination, they have created a menu that is truly from the heart.  Let us see if this entices you:  The biscuits and gravy are made from scratch, their hot sauce and jams are homemade and remarkably addictive with their explosive flavor, the corned beef is made to perfection, fresh Ramen with broth made in-house and the Brioche French Kiss, and Belgium waffles will melt their way down your throat.  Maybe a glass of champagne or white wine with a French dip may be more your style.  Whether it is lunch or breakfast or perhaps a cocktail with friends, there is no bad experience at Kiss Café.  Finally, when you walk in the door, the staff will make you feel like you are part of a family Thanksgiving dinner in their own homes. 

Surprise:  Soon the newest breakfast and lunch location on Johns Island will be launching a monthly wine and dinner pairing evening.  Go to their website and sign up to be the first to receive notifications. Click Here to Sign Up

Full Menu – Kiss Café

Dellz Charleston

With an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian cuisine, a passionate commitment to the community, décor that blends 70’s vinyl with pop culture and vegan nachos and a portabella, avocado wrap that is to die for, Dellz is an awakening disguised as quaint, local dining in Charleston.  Dellz has great food made with love and that love is directly extended to the community.  The thing that truly makes Dellz remarkable is the feeling of warmth, happiness and belonging you get once you step inside.  Your body eagerly celebrates the quality ingredients about to enter and your mind is spiritually refreshed.  There is a reason folks yearn for their next visit each time they leave Dellz.

Full Menu – Dellz Charleston

Dashi

Many locals may know Dashi from its origins as a food truck. The original blueprint for this Asian and Latin Fusion was a mobile vehicle.  Now they have laid roots in North Charleston on Remount Road.  Chef Stephen Thompson has created a unique menu that is mouthwatering.  His zest for food and life extend out to every dish from the steamed bun to Thai Curry Stir Fry to his unique spin on Paella.  No casual and hip experience is complete without a full-service bar and outdoor seating for all our dog lovers in the neighborhood. 

There is something else, the cool factor.  You know what I mean and very few restaurants have it.  When you dine here, you just feel cool.  Even if you don’t have an amazing canvas of tattoos or piercings, you still feel hip and part of a movement.  Dashi has created a culture of casual, hip and fun with a remarkable menu of incredible food.

Full Menus – Dashi

There you have it.  Three incredible restaurants in the Charleston community each with their own unique journey that has created an environment focused on high-quality menus, value, community, and style.  If you have not found your way, make time soon.  Warning, they may become addictive.

Photos courtesy of Dellz, Kiss Cafe and Dashi Instagram